For the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), trouble has again reared its ugly head. Just two years after the F-35B was placed on “probation” by former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, the Department of Defense (DOD) has grounded all three variants of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) as a “precautionary measure.” This after an inspection turned up a cracked turbine blade on the F-35A variant, designed for the Air Force.

In late December 2012, the United States Air Force (USAF) did not renew its contract with Alenia Aermacchi, a subsidiary of Italian-based defense contractor Finmeccanica, to refurbish and supply 20 G222s (also known as the C-27A) for the Afghan Air Force (AAF).